Women's Cross Country Picked as Preseason Favorite
The Blue Devils received six first-place votes in the NEC Preseason Coaches Poll.
The Central Connecticut women's cross country team received six first-place votes and was picked to finish first in the 2021 Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. The Blue Devils were one of two teams to collect first-place votes, along with Sacred Heart.
The Blue Devils won its second consecutive Northeast Conference championship last season and had five runners in the top 15 for a third straight season. Senior Angie Rafter took home her second NEC Outstanding Performer after running a 17:28.5 in the 5K race, a personal best. Eric Blake earned his second straight NEC Coach of the Year honor in 2019. Central looks to win a third consecutive Northeast Conference championship and a fifth title overall.
Sacred Heart was picked to finish second with two first-place votes. Mount St. Mary's was picked third, but did not collect any first place votes. The poll finished with Merrimack, Bryant, Wagner, LIU, and finally St. Francis Brooklyn.
After having the season moved from the fall to the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Northeast Conference Championships will be held at Bryant in Smithfield, RI, on Sunday, Feb. 28.